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Hosting a strong Panther squad, the Eagles knew that they would need to play their best game of the year so far and started the game out with a strong drive that had them move the ball from their own 15 down to the Panther 15. A penalty, a turnover and the theme for the first half for the Eagles unfolded.

The Eagles offensively could move the ball, but a costly penalty or turnover would stop their drives. Onamia would capitalize on these opportunities and march down the field and score, leading 24-0 at end of the 1st quarter and 38-0 at half.

To the Eagles credit, they came out in the second half and held the Panthers on their opening possession on downs and took over at their own 40. A hard-nosed running attack moved the ball steadily down the field once again and this time was capped off by a short 3 yard TD pass from Cooper Kovall to Marcus Woods. The 2-point conversion was no good and the score stood at 38-6 midway through the 3rd quarter. The Panthers would come back and score just before the quarter ended and extend the lead to 46-6.

Onamia would add another TD midway through the 4th, but with just over four minutes left, the Eagles would put together a drive that included some great runs as the line opened up some holes and ended with a Kovall to Benji Swankier TD pass. The 2-point conversion was good as Kovall passed to Zain Myers to finish off the scoring at 54-14.

After the game, even in defeat Coaches Shepard & Kunnari are still optimistic about the rest of the season and on the performance of the squad on this night. "If we convert those first two possessions, the score possibly would have been 24 to 16 at half.........We came out the second half and marched down the field and scored. We were able to move the ball consistently all night but unfortunately costly penalties and turnovers shot us in the foot all night long. No one player or two players lost the game. We are team and we win and lose as a team."

"As some from the stands might be quick to criticize and only look at the wins and losses, we as coaches are nothing but proud of this group of young men. On and off the field they have come so far since the first day of practice in mid-August. We now stand together as a team and a family. They have grown into young men who are respectful of one another, have discipline, and are willing to do what is asked of them on the football field without question or argument. They have learned not to blame others, but take responsibility for their actions and their mistakes as well as be humble about their successes. They have built a bond of support for one another and this is the real first step in rebuilding a team. Rebuilding a team is never easy, but these young men make it a job worth coming to everyday. This is the legacy we want Northland football to leave, one of commitment, character, hard work and love for your team."

Next up for the Eagles is road game in Hill City on Friday, September 26 at 7 p.m., against the Hornets.[[In-content Ad]]

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